How We Brew Our Coffee at FifthSip: Phin Filter vs. Espresso Machines

At FifthSip, we take pride in crafting authentic Vietnamese coffee while embracing modern brewing techniques. Our menu features two primary brewing methods: the traditional phin filter, which is central to Vietnamese coffee culture, and the espresso machine, which allows us to create smooth, balanced lattes and specialty drinks. Each method has its unique characteristics, flavor profiles, and brewing processes, making them essential to the FifthSip experience.

The Phin Filter: Slow, Strong, and Full-Bodied

The phin filter is a small metal brewing device that sits directly on top of a cup, slowly dripping concentrated coffee over a few minutes. This method has been a staple in Vietnam for generations, known for producing bold, full-bodied coffee with deep chocolatey and nutty undertones.

How It Works

1. Ground coffee is added to the phin filter, typically medium to coarse grind to allow for slow extraction.
2. A small metal press is placed on top of the coffee grounds, ensuring even distribution and slowing down the water flow.
3. Hot water is poured in gradually, allowing the coffee to bloom and extract its rich flavors.
4. Coffee drips slowly into the cup below, resulting in a strong, concentrated brew.

Why We Use the Phin Filter at FifthSip

• It preserves the traditional Vietnamese coffee experience, delivering an intense, rich flavor with natural sweetness and low acidity.
• The slow drip enhances the creamy texture of robusta coffee, making it perfect for our Saigon Drip, Hanoi Egg, and Salted Cream Coffee.
• Unlike espresso, which is high-pressure brewed, phin coffee develops deeper flavors over time, giving it a smooth yet bold finish.

Best FifthSip Drinks Brewed with Phin

• Saigon Drip – A bold, slightly sweet traditional Vietnamese iced coffee.
• Saigon Black – A pure, slow-dripped black coffee for those who love intensity.
• Hanoi Egg – Frothy, rich coffee with velvety egg foam.
• Salted Cream Coffee – A smooth, slightly savory take on Vietnamese iced coffee.
• Coconut Slush – A refreshing blend of phin-brewed coffee and icy coconut cream.

The Espresso Machine: Precision and Balance

While phin brewing is deeply rooted in tradition, espresso allows us to create smooth, well-balanced drinks with a more modern approach. Our espresso machine extracts coffee under high pressure, producing a concentrated shot with a layer of crema on top.

How It Works

1. Finely ground coffee is tamped into a portafilter, creating a tightly packed puck.
2. Hot water is forced through the grounds at high pressure, extracting a rich, balanced shot in 25-30 seconds.
3. The result is a bold yet smooth espresso, with a velvety body and slightly sweeter profile than phin coffee.

Why We Use Espresso at FifthSip

• Espresso allows for consistent, precise extraction, ensuring every shot is smooth and well-balanced.
• The higher pressure brings out the naturally sweet, nutty, and caramelized notes in our Vietnamese arabica beans.
• It pairs perfectly with milk-based drinks, giving us a creamy foundation for lattes and cappuccinos.

Best FifthSip Drinks Brewed with Espresso

• Pistachio Latte – Espresso with rich pistachio cream foam.
• Tiramisu Latte – Espresso topped with airy mascarpone cream.
• Ube Latte – A velvety fusion of espresso and creamy ube.
• Corn Latte – A unique, slightly savory latte with hints of sweet corn.
• Brown Sugar Latte – Espresso blended with deep, caramelized brown sugar syrup.

Phin vs. Espresso: Which One is Right for You?

If you love strong, slow-dripped coffee with deep, bold flavors, the phin filter is your best choice. It’s perfect for those who enjoy Vietnamese-style coffee with condensed milk or a pure black brew with a smooth, lingering finish.

If you prefer balanced, creamy, and milk-based drinks, espresso is the way to go. It provides a slightly sweeter, more refined shot that blends beautifully with steamed milk and foam.

At FifthSip, we embrace both brewing methods to bring you the best of traditional Vietnamese coffee and modern espresso-based drinks. Whether you’re craving the bold intensity of a Saigon Drip or the smooth, creamy comfort of a Pistachio Latte, we’ve got the perfect cup for you.

Which style do you prefer? Let us know next time you visit FifthSip!